Metabolism

We’ve talked about obesity, part 2 will talk about metabolism. Metabolism is the process that keeps up basic functions such as: Breathing, Blood Circulation, Hormone Level adjustments, and growing/repairing cells. There are two types of metabolic reactions that take place in the cell: ‘building up’ (anabolism) and ‘breaking down’ (catabolism). Catabolic reactions give out energy. They are exergonic. In a catabolic reaction large molecules are broken down into smaller ones.

Metabolism is the process where your body converts what you eat and drink into energy.

There are factors to keep in mind that determine your metabolism rate:

Age: As people get older, muscles decrease, and fat makes up the weight.

Gender: Men tend to have more muscles that women so they burn calories faster.

Body size: The more muscles one has, the faster calories get burned even at resting state.

–> We might not be able to control all of these factors, but two we can control are diet and exercise.

Don’t skip a meal!

We’ve all done it, skipped breakfast or lunch because of a busy day or perhaps you believed it’s part of dieting. No eating, more burning- less weight? Right? Well no, when you realize what it can do, you might end up regretting it. It doesn’t help you lose weight, quite the opposite. Skipping a meal can. .

Starve your body, causing you to eat more the next time you do have a meal.

Your body begins to hold extra calories (which are then broken down into body fat)

Note: Eating frequently during the day helps support a faster metabolism because your body is constantly burning calories for energy throughout the day.

Now let’s talk about burning those calories and increasing your metabolism. This is how you’re going to do it:

Aerobic Exercises

These exercises raise your heart rate and burn calories. Such activities may include: Walking, swimming, cycling, and even gardening.

Strength Training

For those who do want to lift or hit the gym then strength training is your category. Increasing muscle mass helps the body burn calories. Strength training also increases your resting metabolic rate. Such activities may include: Stretch band, push-ups, and weights. . Etc.

So whether your pumping iron like Arnold Schwarzenegger, doing some stretch bands, or even taking a walk and gardening- you’re helping your metabolism and burning some calories. So enjoy your day and be active!

In Conclusion:

Eating healthy foods are important because healthy foods speed up metabolism. Fruits, Vegetables, lean protein and low fat dairy tend to have less calories and are more nutrient dense. This means its breaks down easier, using it for energy.

Don’t forget to partake in an outside activity or an indoor gym to speed up your metabolism and burn some calories.

Keeping your body healthy might not be an easy task for some people, but from what we’ve learned so far- it’s a simple one. All you have to do is eat right and get a little exercise in your day. Your next step is making the decision on whether you want to be healthy or un-healthy, now let’s make the right decision!